JP4988136B2 - Portable ultrasound system with battery backup for effective shutdown and restart - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasound system is described which can be turned off quickly by an operator command or in response to an interruption of a.c. power to the system. When a.c. power is cut off, the system switches to battery backup while a processor executes an orderly shutdown sequence. The system can completely shut down, or the state of the system can be minimally preserved by battery backup in either volatile or nonvolatile memory so that the system can restart without having to sequence through an entire bootup procedure. This enables the system to remain active even when the ultrasound system is unplugged and being moved.

Description

[0001]
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic imaging system, and more particularly to a portable ultrasound system that quickly supplies power to an operating state.
This application claims the benefit of US provisional application serial number 60 / 232,450, filed September 13, 2000.
[0002]
[Background of the invention]
In today's efficient hospital management, the ultrasound system has become portable and can be used in more than one laboratory or department. The ultrasound system can be used in radiology for most of the time, for example it may be carried to the obstetrics and gynecology department or to the delivery room during obstetric examination.
[0003]
Also, due to portability, the ultrasound device can be used beside the patient's bed. This allows the ultrasound system to move toward the patient instead of moving the patient to the ultrasound chamber. This is important in the diagnosis of patients with many serious illnesses. In medical emergencies, it may be necessary to move the ultrasound system quickly and immediately start testing at a new location.
[0004]
An obstacle to such speed and convenience is the need to turn off the conventional ultrasound system through a time-consuming shutdown procedure before the ultrasound system can be unplugged and moved. is there.
[0005]
This delay is repeated at a new location when it is necessary to power the ultrasound system through a complex and time consuming boot up procedure. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid these time consuming steps and to immediately reposition the ultrasound system and be immediately ready for scanning at the new diagnostic location.
[0006]
[Summary of Invention]
In accordance with the concepts of the present invention, an ultrasound diagnostic imaging system is described that can be quickly turned off and restarted and can be ready for scanning in less than a few seconds. This is accomplished by allowing the processors and / or memory in the system to remain active even when the system is turned “off”. When the system is turned off, the state of the system is kept at a minimum amount in either volatile memory or non-volatile memory so that the system does not have to have a sequence throughout the bootup procedure. Can be restarted.
[0007]
In a preferred embodiment, the processor has a battery backup that is active even when the ultrasound system is unplugged and the ultrasound system is being carried. Can be left. The ultrasound system can immediately start diagnosis when it reaches its destination.
[0008]
[Embodiment of the Invention]
Referring to FIG. 1, an ultrasound diagnostic imaging system 10 in accordance with the concepts of the present invention is shown in block diagram form. The components of a typical ultrasound diagnostic imaging system 10 are shown at the top of the figure and include a scanning head or transducer 12, an image display 16, and an ultrasound signal path 14 connecting the transducer and display. .
[0009]
The ultrasound signal path 14 controls the transmission of ultrasound by the transducer 12 and forms a received echo signal into a steered and focused signal, eg, a B mode, Doppler mode, harmonic or fundamental tone. A processor that processes coherent echo signals in a desired mode of display, such as a wave mode, and generates an image signal of the desired format from a processed echo signal such as a 2D or 3D image or a spectral Doppler display An image processor is typically included.
[0010]
The ultrasound signal path 14 is controlled in a coordinated manner by a system controller that directs the overall scheme for the function of the ultrasound signal path in response to user commands. For example, the system operator inputs a command to the user control panel 20 and requests a two-dimensional color flow image formation using a predetermined scan head.
[0011]
The system controller operates and controls the desired scan head in response to this command by adjusting the beamformer. The signal processor is initialized to doppler the received echo signal and the image processor is set up to produce a grayscale B-mode image with the flow shown as a color overlay.
[0012]
The energy source for wheelbarrow or table-type ultrasound systems is the AC line voltage, which is typically accessed by plug 40. The AC power is filtered and rectified by the AC line conditioner 42. The conditioner generates a DC supply voltage such as 48 volts. This voltage is supplied to a signal path power supply 18 that supplies power to the scan head 12 and the ultrasound signal path 14.
[0013]
The AC line conditioner 42 provides two other functions, which sense and respond to different AC power sources and match current and voltage phases to provide instantaneous current between AC power cycles. Is to provide power factor correction to avoid spikes. The AC line conditioner 42 senses whether the plug 40 is connected to, for example, a 110 volt 60 Hz power source or a 220 volt 50 Hz power source, and generates the required 48 volt DC voltage from either AC power source. Responds to configure a line conditioner to generate.
[0014]
Power factor correction makes the ultrasound system use power effectively by appearing as a load with more resistance rather than a load with reactance to the AC power system. The power supply 18 is a DC-DC converter that provides a number of DC voltages for different components and modules of the ultrasound system. For example, a high level voltage is provided as a drive voltage for the ultrasonic transducer and a low level voltage is provided to the digital processing circuitry of the system. The signal path power supply 18 can supply over 1000 watts of power to the wheelbarrow ultrasound system.
[0015]
According to the concept of the present invention, the CPU board 30 is connected to the ultrasonic signal path 14, which controls the input and stop of the supply power to the ultrasonic signal path. The functions of the CPU board described below may be integrated into the ultrasonic signal path system controller and may be executed by the controller in certain embodiments.
[0016]
In FIG. 1, a separate CPU board is shown for ease of illustration and understanding. The CPU board 30 is an off-the-shelf motherboard such as an ATX form factor motherboard having a system core chipset and basic input / output (BIOS). The BIOS is code that runs from some type of non-volatile memory such as PROM or flash storage and resides on the CPU board.
[0017]
The BIOS software boots the CPU from cold power up and starts the operating system. The BIOS software performs functions such as checking basic hardware operations and available hardware resources. BIOS vendors include Phoenix, Award, and American Megatrends.
[0018]
The CPU board includes a CPU processor 31 (sometimes referred to as a CPU in this embodiment), which is a microprocessor such as those manufactured by Intel, Advanced Micro Devices, or Motorola, or RISC ( It may be a processor with limited functionality, such as a Reduced Instruction Set) processor.
[0019]
The CPU board includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 and enables the CPU to execute an operating system software program (OS) in the nonvolatile disk storage 34. This OS is operated to control various aspects of operation of peripheral devices connected to the ultrasound signal path 14, the display 16, and ultrasound systems such as the printers and recorders described below.
[0020]
The OS, referred to as platform software, tends to be a management and maintenance function and provides an interface for starting application software. Operating system software includes DOS, Windows® 95-2000, Windows® CE and Windows® NT, Solaris and OS2.
[0021]
Software that performs a given task rather than an OS is referred to as application software. Examples of application software include word processor software, spreadsheet software, communication or analysis software, and custom software that operates the ultrasound system.
[0022]
In the exemplary embodiment, the CPU board is connected to the ultrasound signal path 14 via a control interface shown as a control module (Ctr.Mod) 15 for the ultrasound signal path 14. If the CPU board functionality is integrated into the ultrasound signal path, the need for this interface is totally or partially eliminated.
[0023]
While the CPU board is powered by the signal path power supply 18, in the exemplary embodiment, the CPU board 30 is powered by its own CPU power supply 32. The CPU power source has a smaller capacity than the power source 18 and is, for example, a 250 watt power source. The CPU power supply 32, like the power supply 18, is a DC-DC converter that converts the voltage level supplied by the AC line conditioner to the DC voltage required by the CPU board 30 and preferably the disk storage 34. Convert to The CPU power supply is connected to the AC line conditioner and powered up in the same manner as the power supply 18.
[0024]
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the ultrasound system includes an optional battery 50 that provides a backup source of power to the signal path power supply 18 and the CPU power supply 32. This battery is charged by a battery charger 52 that connects to the AC line conditioner 42 so that the battery is fully charged whenever the plug 40 is connected to the source of the AC line voltage. Is done.
[0025]
Also, the battery 50 is connected to a drive motor in the presence of a sound control device, and the movable parts of the ultrasound system such as the display 16 and the control panel 20 can be raised, lowered and tilted for the convenience of the operator. . This allows the articulatory elements of the ultrasound system to be moved and adjusted even when the system plug is not set in the wall outlet.
[0026]
The ultrasound system has a connection to a network and / or a modem so that diagnostic information obtained through the use of the ultrasound system can be stored remotely or otherwise provided. The ultrasound system and modem connection also provides information to the ultrasound system from remote sources, such as email and reference image libraries as described in US Pat. Nos. 5,897,498 and 5,938,607. Make it possible. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, these connections are made from the CPU board 30, but in certain embodiments, these connections can also be made from the ultrasound signal path 14.
[0027]
When a conventional ultrasound system is turned on, all its functions must be initialized from a cold start, which will take a lot of time to achieve. Similarly, when the system is turned off, the ultrasound system is a time consuming sequence but performs a lengthy process to sequentially shut down power supply to its various modules and subsystems.
[0028]
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CPU board, in rare cases, is not completely powered down. The CPU board controls the other components and subsystems of the ultrasound system into various outages, i.e., the entire power supply is stopped. It can also recover to full operation in a short or almost instantaneous period, even if it is in a stopped or low power state, or can recover the rest of the ultrasound system .
[0029]
In concept, the CPU board 30 and its OS and associated software serve as a central processor with other elements of the ultrasound system including the ultrasound signal path 14 and are essentially peripherals to the central processor. Think of as a device. The OS of the CPU board and, if desired, application software control the operating states of these peripheral devices within the constraints instructed by the user so that the entire system operates efficiently and effectively.
[0030]
This directs other elements of the ultrasound system to enter a high level state of preparation, or various outages with different time periods to return to full operation and different levels of power consumption. Or it may be required to be partially or wholly powered down.
[0031]
The CPU board OS not only controls the other elements in this way, but in the preferred embodiment, the CPU board OS stops when the entire system consumes 5-10 watts of power or less. Even in the state, these same controls can be imposed on themselves and can be maintained by battery power for a significant period of time.
[0032]
Some examples illustrate the degree of control possible. When the OS detects a long cycle of the inactive state by the ultrasonic system, the power supply is gradually stopped or the operation of a predetermined system element is stopped. For example, the display is initially set to standby and then completely powered off. Similar operations are performed on peripheral devices such as printers and recorders. The period of the inactive state after these operations are automatically executed can be set by the system operator.
[0033]
Selected elements and main parts of the ultrasound system that do not require time to restart can be de-energized even with a short period, such as a few seconds. For example, when the operator freezes the image on the display screen, the main part of the ultrasound path is placed in a low power stop state until real-time scanning resumes. This stop condition is not notified by the operator and the system always appears to be fully active.
[0034]
Such a standstill not only lasts for a period of a few seconds, but the accumulation of such periods over time can be a significant reduction in power consumption and component heat dissipation and dissipation. The other components of the system are always maintained with a high level of readiness, such as a network connection or modem, and respond to queries either during the day or at night.
[0035]
The ultrasound signal path may be set to an inactive state level that is different from the level at which it can return to full operation in a time frame desired by the system operator. For example, a processor in the ultrasound signal path can be set to an idle state in which power supply to peripheral devices controlled and accessed by a processor including a non-volatile disk drive serving the processor is stopped. The processor and its volatile memory (RAM) continue normal operation so that full operation can be recovered almost immediately.
[0036]
In the low inactive state, in addition to turning off power to the peripherals, the processor clock rate is reduced to a lower rate during the inactive period. The processor continues to be powered up like volatile memory used by the processor. This makes it possible to continue a complete operation within one second.
[0037]
Even in a low inactive state, the power supply to the processor itself is stopped, and environmental data, ie, processor variable data such as register values, stack values and index values are stored in RAM, and the RAM has power. Continues to be introduced. When power is restored to the processor, the pointer restores the processor environment to its pre-shutdown state and full operation resumes fairly quickly.
[0038]
Even in a low inactive state, the processor environment is stored in RAM, and the RAM data is stored in non-volatile storage (disk or semiconductor such as flash). The non-volatile storage, RAM and processor are then shut down. When the operation is started, the RAM data is retrieved from the non-volatile storage, the processor environment is restored, and the operation is resumed from where it was interrupted.
[0039]
In complex machines, such as ultrasound systems, different processors have different levels of inactive state selected as a function of the role that is operated by the speed at which the operator wants the various processors and systems to return to full operation. May have. For example, if the operator wants the system to return to full operation within 1 second, the CPU board OS sets the lowest inactive state of the key processor, the processor clock speed is reduced, and the processor and its volatilization. Memory is kept powered up.
[0040]
If a long time is allowed to resume operation, a low inactivity state is used. The size of the data block used by the system is also considered. If a large block of data is needed to construct a beamformer for scanhead operation, and if the time required to recover beamformer data from the disk is not acceptable, the OS The beamformer RAM memory, in which data is stored for continuous voltage application, avoids recovering data from the disk.
[0041]
The following drawings illustrate a flowchart for operating an ultrasound system in accordance with some of the above considerations and options. These embodiments describe the implementation of the present invention by OS for ease of illustration. However, in the constructed invention, the present invention may be realized in whole or in part by OS, application software, BIOS software, or a combination thereof.
[0042]
Further, the present invention can be realized by hardware such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) control instead of OS control. As used in this embodiment, the term OS refers to any of these approaches. FIG. 1a illustrates a flowchart for a process for initializing the default operating state of an ultrasound system. The default operating state is a typical operating state that is most frequently used by the operator.
[0043]
For example, if the operator of the ultrasound system is an obstetrician, the default operating condition may be an obstetric examination, particularly with a curved array scan head. For example, if the ultrasound system operator is a cardiologist, the default operating state may be echocardiography of the heart with a phased array scan head. The default operating state is typically initialized and the first time the operator uses the ultrasound system, but can be set or changed accordingly later.
[0044]
In the process illustrated in FIG. 1a, the ultrasound system is turned on (step 101) and the CPU board and its OS are booted up (step 102). The OS sequentially boots up the ultrasonic signal path (step 103). When the ultrasound signal path is fully operational, its function is tested (step 104), the system is fully functional, and the step is selectively bypassed by the operator.
[0045]
The operator then selects a default exam type using the user interface (step 105). If the operator is an obstetrician, for example, an obstetric examination is selected. The operator also selects the scan head and uses it for the selected inspection (step 106).
[0046]
When all necessary parameters of the default operating state are selected by the operator, the ultrasound system, preferably an OS, defines a file that defines the default operating state, a file referred to as a “DQuickStart” file in this embodiment. Is created (step 107).
[0047]
Next, the OS stores the DQuickStart file in the storage location. From the storage location, the DQuickStart file can be retrieved, preferably on non-volatile storage media, such as disk storage 34, when needed. When the ultrasound system is restarted under some conditions described below, the OS retrieves the DQuickStart file and initializes the ultrasound system for operation in a predetermined default operating state.
[0048]
When the conventional ultrasound system was turned off, it went through a long procedure to finish the operation and stopped supplying power to the module and the processor. When the power supply shutdown process is completed, only the active circuit is a chip powered by the battery, which maintains the system clock and calendar. All other circuits are turned off completely.
[0049]
FIG. 2a illustrates a situation in which the power supply of the present invention is stopped, from which the full operation of the ultrasound system begins very quickly. Unlike the conventional power supply stop sequence, the key system circuit continues to be energized. In FIG. 2a, the OFF button is activated (step 201) and the ultrasound system queries the operator as to whether the current ultrasound examination should continue when the system is started (step 202).
[0050]
In this example, the operator responds that the current examination should be continued. Application data for the current examination is stored in RAM (step 203), and the OS stops supplying power to the ultrasound signal path (step 204). Further, the OS stops or stops the power supply to the peripheral devices of the ultrasonic system including the hard drive (HD) disk storage 34 (step 205).
[0051]
The CPU register value and stack value (environmental data) are stored in the RAM (step 206), and a flag is set to instruct the CPU to use the stored value when restarted (step 207). The CPU is then timed at a low slock speed to save energy (step 208).
[0052]
The ultrasound system is restarted from this state by following the process shown in FIG. 3a. When the ON button of the ultrasound system is activated (step 301), the CPU clocks at its normal clock rate (step 302). The peripheral device including the hard drive is turned on (step 303), and power is restored to the ultrasound signal path (step 304).
[0053]
The OS checks the restart flag (step 305) and finds that it is set to restart from the RAM. CPU register and stack values are recovered from RAM (step 306) and checked for corrupted data (step 307). It is wise to check for data corruption because the ultrasound system is left in its inactive state for a significant amount of time, such as overnight or days or longer. This is because the ultrasound system is based on patient diagnostic information.
[0054]
When corrupted data is found, a full recovery bootup is performed (step 308). If no data corruption is found, data stored prior to the examination, application data, and scan head data are restored to the ultrasound signal path (step 315). At this point, the system is ready to continue the same test that is in progress when it is turned off.
[0055]
In this sequence and other rapid start sequences described below, the step (104) of testing the complete function of the ultrasound signal path is not performed during rapid recovery of system operation. This is because such self-tests are very time consuming and degrade from the desired system. However, such functional tests should be performed to continually compensate for correct system functionality.
[0056]
In an embodiment of the present invention, such a functional test is performed at run-time such as either a mode transition in the background or a periodic idle or inactive state is encountered, such as when the image is frozen on the screen. Is executed.
[0057]
An uninterrupted complete functional test of the ultrasound signal path is automatically performed on a cold start reboot. At other times such functional tests are intermittently performed by the OS when such scheduling can be performed without interruption of operation commanded by the operator, such as during the night when the system is not in use. Executed. Therefore, the associated safe hazards and risks are eliminated with respect to being periodic but continuous.
[0058]
Variations on these processes are possible. Instead of turning off power to the ultrasound signal path (step 204), the OS may cause some or all of the ultrasound signal path processors to be in one or more idle states or low clock speeds, or Turn off some of the processor components and modules in the ultrasound signal path while applying voltage to the others.
[0059]
For example, a volatile memory that holds beamformer data may be placed in a voltage-applied state. The OS does this by commanding the signal path power supply 18 via the control module 15 and command line 17 to switch off power supply to all components of the ultrasonic signal path except for the beamformer RAM. Can do.
[0060]
For another alternative, rather than switching the CPU to a lower clock speed, the OS issues a command to the CPU power supply 32 through the command line 36 to power all CPU board components except the board RAM. Switch the supply. While this action increases the time required for the system to return to full operation, it operates the CPU power at a power level of about 5 watts or less held by battery power for the appropriate time. Make it possible.
[0061]
FIG. 2b illustrates the procedure, which causes the ultrasound system to be “off” to a ready low state and requires more time to be restored to full operation, Low power consumption when turned “off”. When the operator activates the OFF button (step 201) and chooses to continue the current test when the system is restarted (step 202), application data for the current test is stored in RAM. (Step 203), power supply to the ultrasonic signal path is stopped (Step 204), power supply to the peripheral device is stopped (Step 211), and the register value and stack value of the CPU are stored in the RAM. (Step 206).
[0062]
The data stored in the RAM is stored in a nonvolatile disk or semiconductor storage (step 209), and when the operation is resumed, a flag is set for notifying the CPU to start from the data in the nonvolatile storage. The The disk drive and RAM are de-energized and the CPU is switched to a lower clock speed. Alternatively, the power supply to the CPU is stopped when the data required for restart is held in non-volatile storage. This requires the CPU to reboot on reboot, but does not require power to be maintained in the CPU when the system is off.
[0063]
The ultrasound system may be restarted from this off state following the sequence shown in FIG. 3b. When the ON button is actuated (step 301), the process follows the same procedure shown in FIG. 3a until the restart flag is checked (step 305).
[0064]
Here, the OS recognizes that the “start from disk” flag is set, and then the data stored in the hard drive is recovered to RAM (step 316). The CPU register value and stack value are restored (step 306), and a data corruption check is executed (step 307).
[0065]
If no data corruption is found, the inspection application data and schedule data are recovered (step 315) and the system prepares again to continue the previous inspection. As described above, variations are possible such as leaving a portion of the ultrasound signal path energized and / or operating at a selected idle level to allow for a faster restart. It is.
[0066]
In the previous scenario, the operator has chosen to have the system continue the current ultrasound examination when the ultrasound system is restarted. FIG. 2c shows one possible scenario when not choosing to continue the same examination in response to a restart. When the operator makes this selection (step 202), the system queries as to whether the same type of test as the most recent test is used in response to a restart (step 212).
[0067]
When an operator uses an ultrasound system on a daily basis for a particular type of heart examination, the selection should be made to restart the system for the same type of heart examination with respect to which examination has already been completed. May be. However, if the operator seeks a different test, the next time the system will be used, it is not certain which type of test will be performed next by the system. As shown in the drawing, the operator answers “No”.
[0068]
The OS responds by setting a flag for the DQuickStart file (step 213), stops power supply to the ultrasound signal path (step 204), and stops power supply to peripheral devices including the hard drive ( Step 205), the CPU is set to a low clock speed (Step 208).
[0069]
When the system is restarted, the ultrasound system follows the sequence shown in FIG. 3c. When the ON button is activated (step 301), the CPU returns to its normal clock speed (step 302) and the hard drive and peripheral devices are turned on (step 303). The ultrasound signal path is turned on (step 304) and the OS checks the restart flag (step 305).
[0070]
In response to the discovery of the DQuickStart flag set, a DQuickStart file is selected from the non-volatile storage (step 309) to implement preset default operating parameters. The ultrasound signal path is adjusted to start the default inspection application (step 310) and the beamformer is set up to operate the default scan head (step 311). Or, if the default scan head is not available, it is set up to operate the scan head currently connected to the ultrasound system. The ultrasound system is ready to perform a default inspection.
[0071]
For the previous example, a variation of this scenario may be used. Instead of switching the CPU to a lower clock speed, when the DQuickStart file is stored in non-volatile storage, only the restart flag needs to be maintained and the CPU board can be turned off. This requires more time to restart because the CPU board has to be rebooted.
[0072]
For another alternative that provides a faster restart, instead of setting the DQuickStart flag during the power outage sequence, the parameters in the DQuickStart file can be loaded into RAM and from storage in response to a restart. Power to the RAM is maintained so that the OS can immediately implement the DQuickStart application without having to call the DQuickStart file.
[0073]
FIG. 2d shows the sequence of events that occur when the operator chooses to initiate the same type of examination that is completed when the ultrasound system is restarted. When the operator makes this selection (step 212), the OS constructs a file called CQuickStart (step 214). The file contains parameters regarding the type of examination completed, including the scan head used.
[0074]
The CQuickStart file is saved to disk (or stored in RAM in one of the above alternatives) and a flag is set for the CQuickStart file (step 215). The supply of power to the ultrasound signal path is stopped (step 204), and the CPU is set to a low clock speed (step 208).
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 3d, when the ultrasound system is turned on (step 301), normal clock speed is resumed (step 302), the hard drive and peripheral devices are turned on (step 303), and the ultrasound is turned on. The signal path is turned on (step 304). The OS checks the restart flag and finds that the CQuickStart flag is set (step 305).
[0076]
The OS retrieves the CQuickStart file from the disk (or implements immediately if stored in the RAM) (step 312) and starts the inspection application identified by the CQuickStart file (step 313). Setting up a beamformer for the identified scan head (step 314). Alternatives applicable to the previous scenario of FIGS. 2c and 3c are also applicable to this scenario.
[0077]
As described above, when the OS stops supplying power to the different components of the ultrasound system, the OS will return the configuration to an idle level that allows it to return to full operation in the time frame required by the user. Power the element. Different elements of the ultrasound system may be set to different idle levels, which are different when different users have different demands on the time that the ultrasound system must restart. May vary.
[0078]
The OS also stops supplying power to the different components of the system in view of the type of function being performed, as previously illustrated by the example of maintaining power to the beamformer memory.
[0079]
FIG. 4 illustrates another example of this. An ultrasound system that is accessed externally through a network or modem needs to be utilized each time it is remotely interrogated. For example, remote diagnosis may be performed at night when the ultrasound system is used, for example, as described in US patent (Application Serial No. 09 / 534,143).
[0080]
As another example, a diagnostic surgeon may wish to review images stored in the ultrasound system from his home after the ultrasound experiment is completed during the day. Such a scenario is described in US Pat. No. 5,851,186. In these cases, the ultrasound system is essentially “on-call” 24 hours a day. In this mode, when the ultrasound system is turned off at the end of the day, the network interface or modem is in a closed state or powered off, but is networked so that it is fully active when called. Or notice that the phone is active.
[0081]
The CPU can be in a low power or off state as long as it continues to respond to interruptions from the network or modem to process external queries. The CPU itself can respond to such interruptions in an idle state (eg, low clock speed) and the CPU board chipset can restart the CPU in response to such interruptions. In some cases, the CPU board BIOS software can be programmed to handle these interruptions.
[0082]
As an example, a surgeon wants to use his home computer to see the images needed for the previous day's work with an ultrasound system. The surgeon connects to the ultrasound system through either a network connection or a modem as shown in FIG. These send interruptions to the CPU board (step 401).
[0083]
If the power supply to the CPU is stopped and the clock speed is lowered, the CPU responds to the interruption by resuming its normal clock speed (step 402). When the CPU is turned off, the chip set on the CPU board responds to the interruption by restarting the CPU. If it is required to respond to the request, the hard drive and other peripheral devices may be turned on, as it may be necessary to run a WEB application and respond to the Internet browser.
[0084]
The OS turns on the memory device in which the ultrasound image is stored (step 403). In the example of FIG. 1, the ultrasound image is stored in the image storage 22 connected to the ultrasound signal path and the CPU board. The OS then executes communication software that is required to respond to the request, such as WEB application software (step 405).
[0085]
As described in the above-mentioned patents, the WEB server can send an image file index to the surgeon selecting the desired image. The desired image is then retrieved from the image memory or disk and transmitted to the surgeon through a network, modem or internet, which then displays on the screen of his home computer. After the communication is completed, the hard drive, the image memory, the peripheral device, and the CPU are again powered off and wait for the next inquiry in the low power state.
[0086]
The ultrasonic system having the ability to selectively start and stop power supply to the system adopts the procedure as shown in FIG. 5 to automatically restart the ultrasonic system at a predetermined time. Can do. This allows the ultrasound system to shut down when it is not in use overnight and can be ready for scanning if the ultrasound experiment is opened the next day.
[0087]
When the ultrasound system is turned off, the operator enters commands for the ultrasound system and restarts at the specified time and date. If the ultrasound experiment is to be opened the next day at 8 am, turn on the ultrasound system at 7:45 am and run a self-test so that the system is fully ready for scanning at 8 am It is desirable.
[0088]
When the operator turns off the ultrasound system, a selection is made to restart the system for a default or custom test (including the most recently performed test as previously described) and the appropriate QuickStart file is specified. The system is then shut down to the desired idle level. In this example, the CPU is switched to a low clock speed.
[0089]
The timer in the ultrasound system may be implemented on the CPU board, and when the time track is maintained and the appropriate start time is reached, the timer sends an interrupt to the CPU board (step 501). In response to the interruption, the CPU returns to the normal clock speed (step 502), and the OS turns on the hard drive and the peripheral device (step 503).
[0090]
The OS then checks to see if the flag is set for default inspection or custom inspection (step 504). If default inspection is indicated, the ultrasound signal path is turned on (step 505) and the DQuickStart file is retrieved. The beamformer is programmed for the scan head used in the default inspection (step 508) and a default inspection application is set up for the ultrasound system (step 510). A complete self-test of system functionality may be performed. The ultrasound system is then fully prepared for scanning when the operator arrives for use.
[0091]
When the OS finds that a custom test is set, the ultrasound signal path is turned on (step 505) and the CQuickStart file is retrieved (step 507). The file contains the parameters of the examination that the operator wants to perform first. The beamformer is programmed for the custom inspection scan head (step 509) and the custom inspection application is set up for the ultrasound system (step 511). A complete self-test of the functionality of the system may be performed. Thus, when an ultrasound experiment is opened in the morning, the ultrasound system is ready for immediate use without leaving the system fully powered overnight.
[0092]
As noted above, high performance ultrasound systems can consume approximately 1000 watts of power, even when not in use. This power consumption results in a heating effect that is dissipated by the costly laboratory or hospital air conditioning system. Furthermore, heating of components in the system shortens the lifetime of the components and leads to reduced system reliability.
[0093]
FIG. 6 illustrates an approach to reducing this cost and the dissipation of unnecessary component heating, innovating the module or subsystem when it is unused during a period of time. Is for the ultrasound system to turn off. In a preferred implementation, the user has the opportunity to activate and deactivate such a novel shutdown, select the time that elapses before initiating the novel shutdown, and select the time lapse between successive steps of the shutdown. Is given.
[0094]
The order in which the various personality elements of the system shut down can be changed. In the novel sequence of FIG. 6, the first component to be shut down is the display device, which is initially on standby (step 601) and completely powered off after a further time.
[0095]
After a further time, the OS stops supplying power to peripheral devices of the ultrasound system, such as printers and recorders (step 602). After further time, unsaved test data and CPU register and stack values (environmental data) are stored in RAM (step 603), and RAM data is saved to disk (step 604).
[0096]
Power supply to the ultrasonic signal path is stopped (step 605), and power supply to the peripheral devices and hard drives of the CPU board is stopped (step 606). Finally, the CPU is set to an idle state, and in this example is set to a low clock speed (step 607). Although the ultrasonic system consumes only a small amount of power of 5 watts or less, a voltage is still applied to the CPU, and the ultrasonic system can be restarted in a relatively short time.
[0097]
In the sequence variation of FIG. 6, the OS continuously monitors usage for the ultrasound system and turns modules and components on or off if conditions affecting low overall power consumption and component heating allow. To. Modules and subsystems are put into a low power state within a few seconds and within a few seconds possible to achieve this.
[0098]
For example, the operator may interrupt real-time image formation and freeze the image on the display screen. Detecting this condition, the OS powers the display 16, the image storage 22 where the frozen image is stored, and the power to a portion of the ultrasound signal path that applies the image display signal to a display such as the system video driver. To maintain. The transmit and receive beamformers can be set to an inactive state, which is a low power state at this time, like the signal and image processing portion of the ultrasound signal path 14, since real-time imaging is stopped. .
[0099]
For the operator, this stop state is a transparent state because the frozen image is maintained on the display when the operator orders. This reduces power consumption and heating of those subsystems of the ultrasound signal path 14 that are in a low power state. The 1200 watt consumption of the ultrasound signal path can be instantaneously reduced to, for example, 200 watts.
[0100]
When the operator resumes real-time imaging without freezing the image, the low power subsystem is immediately restored to full operation without interruption in system operation apparent to the operator. Throughout time, such periodic reductions in power consumption increase the life of the components of the ultrasound signal path as well as reduce heating and reduce the air conditioning load imposed by the ultrasound system. Can do.
[0101]
While such periodic reduction in system power consumption reduces the heat released by the ultrasound system, this capability may be used to reduce audible emissions. The noise generated by operating the ultrasound system is the humming of fans used to cool electronic components and power supplies. As the overall power consumption and component heating of the ultrasound system is reduced, the need for fan cooling is reduced as well.
[0102]
Individual components, modules or sub-systems, even during short intervals, when the power supply is stopped or turned off, the fans used to cool them are reduced fans Can be run at speeds or even turned off periodically.
[0103]
Thus, the heat level in the ultrasound system can be monitored by the OS of the CPU board, and the cooling fan speed is adjusted when possible. During a 30-minute ultrasonography, the system operator may spend half of the time changing operating conditions, taking measurements on frozen images, talking to the patient, and other non-real-time scanning activities. is there. The ultrasound system is controlled taking into account the advantages of these situations by the OS. This can be fully operational only when needed. This leads to a reduction in heat and noise pollution by an equivalent amount.
[0104]
The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a temporary power source that can hold the key elements of the ultrasound system during the cycle when battery backup, AC power is not available. This function to hold key elements such as CPU and RAM, even when the system is not plugged into its AC power supply, is compatible with current hospital needs to move ultrasound systems To be able to restart very quickly.
[0105]
As explained at the beginning of this patent, it may be necessary to quickly move an ultrasound system from one area of a hospital to another and perform a diagnosis in another department of the hospital as quickly as possible . However, this means that when the ultrasound system has to be handled through a lengthy shutdown procedure before it can be turned off and unplugged, and when it restarts at a new location, a lengthy boot Can't do when you have to do up.
[0106]
The ultrasound system shown in FIG. 1 by use of the process shown in the previous flowchart can be moved immediately without these delays. For example, suppose an ultrasound system is called to move from an ultrasound laboratory to an obstetric delivery room for immediate scanning. The operator touches the OFF button, pulls the ultrasound system plug 40 from the wall and begins to move to the maternity wing without waiting for the shutdown procedure to occur.
[0107]
When the plug is pulled, the ultrasound system switches to its backup battery power source and when moved, the ultrasound system uses one of the sequences described above to identify itself. Shut down. The ultrasound system can shut itself down to restart to a default exam (which in this example is an obstetric exam) or, for example, the most recently used exam.
[0108]
Preferably, the ultrasound system under these conditions does not shut down the CPU completely, but leaves the CPU and its RAM energized, which allows the system to enter the obstetric ward for emergency testing. When it reaches, it can be restarted immediately. If desired, the OS programs to respond to loss of AC power during the shutdown sequence by shutting off the power supply to a high state that is ready to return to full state almost immediately. be able to.
[0109]
For example, by sensing the loss of AC power, or by sensing a switch to battery power, by detecting that there is no operator response to an inquiry placed during shutdown (eg, the same test To maintain power to all processors and volatile storage (RAM) in the ultrasound system in order for the OS to be available to maintain as much battery power as possible. continue.
[0110]
As another example, an ultrasound system may experience inadvertent loss of AC power. For example, if the AC power cord is accidentally pulled from the wall or a circuit breaker for the AC line powers the system trip. In such an example, the OS automatically performs a shutdown (FIGS. 2a and 3a) so that the current test is resumed upon reboot.
[0111]
Alternatively, if the battery capacity is sufficient, the ultrasound system is powered by the battery in a fully active state until the battery at which the shutdown is automatically performed is substantially discharged. Devices that consume relatively large amounts of energy and do not hold critical data in volatile storage, such as display and scan head transducer drivers, still have the ability to shut down and restart almost immediately. Battery power can be maintained while providing. In the first example, when the ultrasound system arrives at the maternity ward, is plugged in, and the ON button is pressed, it is actually ready for scanning.
[0112]
In embodiments where the ultrasound system does not include battery backup power, some of the delays described above can still be avoided. For example, a sufficiently sized capacitor in a power supply system can hold enough energy to hold an OS shutdown sequence even when there is no battery backup. Such a capacity to hold energy can power the CPU board for the time required to complete a regular shutdown.
[0113]
The operator can start moving the ultrasound system by pressing the OFF button, pulling the AC plug from the wall. The capacitive source provides power for shutdown during this time. If the CPU board senses that AC power has been lost before the normal chat down is complete, the OS is not essential, such as displays, transducer drivers, printers and recorders, and from high power consumers Power can be cut immediately.
[0114]
The capacity to store power can then be retained for shutting down data components and processors in a fast but regular manner. This shutdown sequence is completed when the shutdown of all the components in the ultrasound system including the CPU and RAM of the CPU board is completed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram forming an ultrasound diagnostic imaging system constructed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention.
FIG. 1a is a flow chart illustrating a method for initializing the ultrasound system of FIG.
FIG. 2a is a flowchart illustrating a method for effectively turning off the ultrasound system of the present invention so that it can be restarted quickly.
FIG. 2b is a flow chart illustrating a method for effectively turning off the ultrasound system of the present invention so that it can be restarted quickly.
FIG. 2c is a flow chart illustrating a method for effectively turning off the ultrasound system of the present invention so that it can be restarted quickly.
FIG. 2d is a flowchart illustrating a method for effectively turning off the ultrasound system of the present invention so that it can be restarted quickly.
FIG. 3a is a flowchart illustrating a method for quickly restarting the ultrasound system of the present invention.
FIG. 3b is a flowchart illustrating a method for quickly restarting the ultrasound system of the present invention.
FIG. 3c is a flowchart illustrating a method for quickly restarting the ultrasound system of the present invention.
FIG. 3d is a flowchart illustrating a method for quickly restarting the ultrasound system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which an ultrasound system of the present invention in an inactive state can respond to a remote inquiry.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the ultrasound system of the present invention in an inactive state automatically prepares for scanning at a predetermined time.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of taking a state of low power consumption while the ultrasound system of the present invention is in an inactive state.

Claims (5)

An ultrasonic signal path;
A controller,
An AC power source having an input and an output;
A power supply path having an input connected to the output of the AC power supply, and an output connected to supply a DC voltage for the ultrasonic signal path and the controller;
An energy storage device connected to the power supply path and supplying a DC voltage to the ultrasonic signal path and the controller when the AC power supply is not usable;
In response to an OFF command input by an operator of the ultrasound system, the processor further comprises a processor that controls a shutdown sequence that stops supplying power to the ultrasound signal path while voltage is applied to the processor. ,
The energy storage device supplies power to the processor during the shutdown sequence when the AC power source is unavailable;
An ultrasonic system characterized by that. The capacity of the energy storage device is selected in relation to the time and energy required to perform the shutdown sequence.
The ultrasonic system according to claim 1. When the voltage applied for the AC power supply is accidentally disconnected from the AC power supply, the energy storage device supplies power to the processor;
The ultrasonic system according to claim 1. The energy storage device is a capacitive element;
The ultrasonic system according to claim 1. The energy storage device is a battery;
The ultrasonic system according to claim 1.

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